theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

ˈthir-ˌīz

theorized; theorizing

intransitive verb

: to form a theory : speculate

transitive verb

1

: to form a theory about

2

: to propose as a theory

theorization

ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌthir-ə-

noun

theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet others have theorized that the MSG buzz could be an elaborate smoke screen to throw off attention to the couple's real wedding plans. — CBS News, 27 June 2026

Yet others have theorized that the MSG buzz could be an elaborate smoke screen to throw off attention to the couple’s real wedding plans. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 27 June 2026

While fans have long theorized that the Marvel star is the voice behind the character, Matheson confirms the actor’s cameo to PEOPLE. — Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

The other hypothesis theorizes supermassive black hole seeds came from a large gas cloud collapsing, due to its large mass and strong gravity, into a black hole. — Mary Ogborn, The Conversation, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for theorize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

Kids Definition

theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

theorized; theorizing

: to form a theory : speculate

theorizer noun